THE Department of Home Affairs announced it will extend operating hours at its offices by two hours daily for applications and collections of enabling documents.

From Monday, December 8 to Friday, December 19 and from Monday, January 5 to Friday, January 16, 2026, the offices will close at 18:00, instead of 16:00.

The department encouraged those using its services to book application or collection appointments before visiting offices, using the Branch Appointment Booking System (BABS), available on the Home Affairs website.

As part of our continued commitment to #DeliveringDignityForAll, DHA is extending operating hours at offices equipped to process Smart ID Cards and Passports from 8 to 19 December 2025 by an additional two hours daily. Book here: https://t.co/NYHpLsJEtk pic.twitter.com/3B3fs7dvC5

— HomeAffairsSA 🇿🇦 (@HomeAffairsSA) December 8, 2025

Those without a booking may still visit offices as walk-ins.

“The extended hours we are offering will go a long way in assisting people to get the documents they need to spend precious time with friends and family, and to prepare for the New Year,” said the Minister of Home Affairs, Dr Leon Schreiber.

“We remain committed to providing accessible and people-centred services. With our offices operating on extended hours ahead of and during the festive season, I encourage South Africans to make use of the longer opening hours to ensure that their essential documents are up to date, including travel documents.”

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